Exploring Teacher Use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in South Africa and Turkey

What Is Virtual Reality?

The concept of virtual reality (VR) is defined as computer-aided three-dimensional environments in which the senses of one or more users can be stimulated, guided, and interacted in real-time (Gutiérrez A. et al., 2008; Guttentag, 2010). When virtual reality is considered as the state of being in a simulation-based environment outside of the physical space occupied by the individual in reality - based on experiencing a place and event different from what is happening around him - it means that a fictional content based on interactive, advanced computer screens is obtained from graphics and display technologies. It refers to an environment enriched with data (Craig, Sherman and Will, 2009). According to another definition, VR is defined as a technology that uses computers, software and peripheral hardware to create a simulated environment for the user (Sacks, Perlman and Barak, 2013). As can be understood from the definitions, virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment that users can interact with using various electronic hardware. The development of technology, the importance of using technology in education has increased and it has been determined that education has become more effective with the support of technology (Drucker, 2000).